2017 Toyota Sequoia SUV

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Reviews

Driving Impression

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The Sequoia’s rumbling 5.7-liter V8 shows off its 381 horsepower by taking the truck’s massive weight and hurling it down the road fast: zero to sixty in just 6.7 seconds. Ninety percent of the engine’s 401 pound-feet of torque comes on at a low 2200 rpm, so it doesn’t waste a moment off the line–and that torque makes towing 7400 pounds easy. The Platinum comes with the load-leveling rear suspension, so it’s the best for towing.

Thanks to the stability of the car-like four-wheel independent suspension, the ride is good for a body-on-frame SUV, although it loses some composure on an undulating highway, and there is some head-toss on rough roads. The ride is even better with the active variable air suspension system on the Platinum.

Make no mistake, it maneuvers like a bus in parking lots, but its turning circle of 38 feet is fairly slim, which helps a lot.

The four-wheel-drive versions use A-TRAC traction control, to help in mud, snow and sand. The electronic two-speed transfer case uses a lockable Torsen limited-slip differential that splits power front and rear.

Walk Around

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It’s a macho SUV, not gone smooth like the others. On the chunky Tundra platform, the Sequoia is rounded off but comes out muscle-bound, bulging with testosterone, almost cartoon-like, with ripped sheetmetal and flared fenders. It’s the biggest Toyota made, and nearly as wide as a Chevy Suburban.

The big chrome-plated plastic nose flaunts some tricky gravity to make it imposing. There’s a high belt line and tall hood, then back to the chrome, in the mirrors and door handles.

The SR5 looks plain and sane. The Limited and Platinum go hog wild with the chrome, including flashy wheels.

Interior Overview

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The Sequoia ranks last when it comes to cabin luxury among full-size SUVs. The front seat feels like you’re in the pickup truck that you’re in. The seats are wide and soft but it’s a steep climb to get there.

The instrument panel is functional but maybe overstyled, with big switchgear and displays designed to do work. Metallic matte trim runs from the dash to the center console. There are plenty of cupholders and there’s good storage for small things.

Toyota’s Entune infotainment system relies heavily on a connected smartphone. It’s easy to use and its navigation is intuitive.

The second row is a standard bench with six inches of travel, to make more legroom or cargo room. It folds flat, along with the third row, to make a vast cargo space. The optional dual captain’s chairs are more comfortable, more about people than cargo.

The third row is roomier than some, but still cramped, so basically just for kids. Power folding is optional. The driver can press a button to roll down the rear window, like a station wagon from back in the ’60s.

The cabin materials might not be luxury, but the silence is. It’s as quiet as a Lexus, with road and wind noise seemingly miles away.

Summary

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Sequoia brings off-road capability in a big, three-row SUV, as well as acceleration and torque for towing. Fuel mileage is not its strong point, and it’s a dated design.

Sam Moses contributed to this report.

Model Lineup

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There are three models: SR5 ($45,560), Limited ($54,350), and Platinum ($62,090). Four-wheel drive is optional ($3,225).